[Pxlkitty4]

Originally Posted by showgirlaz

Thank you for starting the first post of the day!! It really is easy, isn't it!

You are most welcome. It took a little figuring out (the quote, then copy what was in it and paste into a new thread), but not bad at all. Having two windows open was very helpful... since I could see the pattern for the day/date on the new thread title when the new box popped up.

[mamarix1]

Originally Posted by Pxlkitty4

Amen, sister...

Originally Posted by Aunt Sheshie

Well said, Mary... I was beginning to wonder what was going on... we are either on protocol 100% or we're on it 0%... there is no "in between"..

hugs

Thanks guys, I was starting to feel really guilty for being such a 'b'.
It is hard, but they are right, it is their journey not mine to rant at them. If they want to pay all that money and make it last forever, it's up to them. I'm just trying to help them understand the process, but it is their decision.
Mary

[mholley]

Just doing a drive-by!!! WI#3 -4lbs......woohoo!!! I LOVE THIS DIET!!!

[showgirlaz]

Originally Posted by darbs7

Good morning everyone....I hope everyone has a perfect day....I am currently 2 pounds from my original goal and hope to be there by the weekend!

I have reset the goal to 14 pounds lower...but hitting the goal I have had set for so many months is awesome.

...

So here is to 156 by June 13th and phasing off for good.

Stay strong everyone...this diet GAVE ME MY LIFE AT 40!

GREAT JOB, Darby!! Congratulations! You have really earned your success.

Originally Posted by locks

Has anyone had a stall in weightloss when they were on antibiotics? I got a bad sinus infection, and after 10 days Dr put me on antibiotics, he also told me to tone down the exercise a bit to let my body heal. So cut my exercise in half but I see this week the scale doesnt move. Thats the first time since IP that this is happened.

Wonder if its just my body fighting the infection, I havent cheated, water intake is even more. Have had tons of energy, and not very hungry but got all veggies in like normal. Or maybe its just my plateau?

Yes, antibiotics (not all but some and it seems to vary by person) can slow you down. It also seems if you are very sickly then you can also slow down as your body first heals then returns to losing weight. Keep on the plan if you can and the results will show as a big number once your body is off the medicine or ready to move on with fat burning.

There are actually many medicines that slow things down.
Some of them are:
aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, keoprofen (depending on person/frequency/dose level these cause varying levels of fluid retention and may block fat burning)

Any OTC or prescribed medication with a salt base may have a fluid retention effect.

Tylenol is something that can be used and often doesn't have a fluid retention effect as it isn't an NSAID. BUT, if you don't use them regularly the others may not effect you.

Also, some hormone replacement therapies, birth control pills, antidepressants, insulin & insulin stimulating meds, steroid based medications, diuretics, beta-blockers and other anti-arthritis medicines can slow things down.

Talk to your doctor or learn about the possible common side effects for your medications if you are concerned.

The information I provided above is from information provided to those using the ATKINS, South Beach diets and from information by the Drs. Eades. ALL of those programs are low carb based and ketogenic at the core.

Originally Posted by Susie_Bee

Happy Tuesday everyone! (I need a teacup smiley!)
...

Congratulations on the "skinny" outfit today! Isn't it such a great feeling to get into that thing in the back of your closet and "rock it"! Also, I can't wait to see how you did today by making the changes to your day.

Originally Posted by traeh1314

Morning. I am paying for my Sunday night slip up. I was up 2 pounds today!!! UGHHHH! This is the first time the scale has gone the wrong way. No more cheats until my May 27th party. I WILL make my 30# goal by then. I am mad at myself for the set back!

I'm so sorry about the slip. It is very easy to put fluid on if you add back carbs before you body is retrained and ready. Some of us experience this more than others. Don't worry, get back on track and it will be off as quick as it came!

Originally Posted by rjslilmommie

NSV: My husband said he is going to need to get me new cloths soon, all my tank tops that were snug, are getting loose

Congratulations!! And, just in time for summer! Gotta love getting trim in time for the new summer items!

Originally Posted by CinnamonSparkles

There, there! It's alright. Can I make you feel better by saying that I had a planned cheat day on Sunday (lol somehow it's better if planned? not so) and I had just started phase 3 becuase Saturday morning the scale hit 133.6 and Sunday I was at 133.2. GOAL! Well due to my wine festival excursion on Sunday (yes, I love wine, I am going to have a vineyard and winery someday and make my own wine)... I gained 4.5 pounds! In ONE DAY!!!!

But, I am not feeling guilty about what I did on Sunday. I just can't believe I gained so much weight over some wine, phase 3 breakfast, and a phase 4 dinner (had an omelette but also guac and chips). ...

I'm sorry to hear you had such a rapid gain! As you say it will come off quickly once you are on track again.

I learned recently that when we have an intolerance/sensitivity/allergy to a food or food part we can often swell very quickly. The doctor I spoke with said it is often the first indicator a food is something we should not be eating. If you notice that happen again, you might want to consider it as a food you should avoid or use very rarely. I find it interesting you react to cheese too. Wine, cheese, processed meats, foods with suflites, nitrites and molds are common for food sensitivities.

There is some new research that suggests that continually eating foods that our bodies have a problem digesting/using contributes to an inflammatory response, fluid gain and, even obesity.

I happen to gain 3 pounds overnight from just a few small pancakes. I do it every time I eat wheat flour. The more I eat the more I swell. I can tell you, I feel awful the next few days too. So, I see a future for me that is absent of flour if I want to be successful at keeping my body weight stable.

Originally Posted by 2RIDEROLLERCOAST

Good morning all, today is a great morning. I got a NSV this morning.

...

Congratulations on the great NSVs and compliments!! You should be proud! Also, I agree. I have no problem making sweets for others and avoiding them ESPECIALLY when I don't like them!

Originally Posted by J1stbeachy

All of you are doing so awesome, losing lots of lbs and inches, keeping positive attitudes even when your struggling through the day. I on the other hand, have been on this plan for 10 days now, lost approx 6.5lbs the first week and magically gained back 2lbs while I was sleeping last night! I am frustrated and ready for a pizza! I have been OP and have not cheated. The only thing I can think of doing different is drowning myself with more water. I have been having protien with lunch so I don't inhale the fridge when I get home from work! Could that be the problem? WTF????

I understand it is hard. BUT, first, don't weigh daily unless you have been stalled out and are trying to figure out why. I fluctuate often and maybe not the way you want. Also, you have lost 4.5 pounds in 10 days!! That is great! At just that rate you will lose about 14 pounds a month! That is excellent loss for a steady weight loss rate.

BUT, keep with it and you will see things shift again. I remember a few gals last year who did this roller coaster thing all the way. 4 pounds off then 2 pounds up then 5 or 6 pounds of then 1 or 2 pounds up. It just works like that for some people. FOCUS ON YOUR MONTH! If you are a non traditional loser, give yourself a month. See your success in a bigger picture format and it will still be awesome!

Originally Posted by FirstDietVA

Hi everyone!

I had a concern that I wanted to ask everyone about. I don't see my coach until Friday. Seems lately here I have lost a lot of my appetite. I start to get a little hungry around meal times but after eating a little bit I am full. There have even been a few days where I skipped my evening snack. Should I be concerned?

This is normal for ketosis; it's the effect of lipolysis! You should definitely plan to eat all your food though. Eat less but more often if you need to. If you don't get in enough food, even in ketosis, you can still stall yourself out.

Originally Posted by AprilH3

I have an NSV today! The biggest of my size 14s fit today! I haven't worn them since before I got pregnant almost 5 years ago! Woo!
...

Congratulations!! Isn't it great to feel like you are slipping back in time!

Originally Posted by Shawniebear

I made the turnip fries yesterday and omg if you havent tried them yet you NEED to asap!! They are sooo good! Just to confirm, we can have turnip every day, right? These seem way too good to be a daily thing!

yes, Turnip can be daily! Just remember to get variety in your day so you get a broader range of nutrition and vitamins.

Originally Posted by angelbeliever

I haven't dared try the turnips. I *heard* they are pungent and don't taste good. Dang, maybe I can try a small one and try making the fries.

The smaller (baby) turnips are sweeter and a good place to start. Also, roasting them helps make them sweeter.

Originally Posted by angelbeliever

Must be there are different soups and snacks out there~ I asked my counselor if they could get the Broccoli and aspargrass soups and the southwest cheese curls and got a big fat NO for an answer!! WTF??

The broccoli cheese soup was manufactured wrong and isn't available to be ordered right now. Some locations did get it in and IP is letting coaches continue to offer it PROVIDED they tell people it was made wrong with MSG. MSG is not supposed to be on this diet so, anything not shipped was recalled. Also, the asparagus is an old soup. It may be in some old inventories. It is available by other companies and overseas though. The SW cheese curlz are great. Some people may not have ordered it or may be waiting for the back order to be filled before it can be shared with their clients.

Originally Posted by J1stbeachy

Well I have a confession to make...I actually ordered a meat lovers pizza Friday night for my family (uh huh) and ate just the toppings and a big salad! It was soooo good! I figured the cheese is low carb...meat is protein can't be that bad...right??

HMM... earlier you were saying you had a weight gain despite being OP. Guess what, cheese isn't OP. It is a problem for many people and can cause weight gain in some very quickly. Also, the meats and cheese can have salts, fillers, msg or other glutamate parts in them. SO, yes, some meat can be bad. AND, it was very high fat compared to what we've been doing. AND, some cheese and meat use sugars and starch so, carbs. AND, if you got some of the sauce, guess what! It had carbs from tomato, spices (garlic specifically) and SUGAR. Most commercial sauce uses a form of sugar. So, being only 10 days in, you confused your body. What you thought was OP wasn't. It did slow you down and the meat and cheese can also be a little of a back up on your normal elimiation. So, Drink more water and get back on track. Just remember, this diet is about changing how your body works on many levels from pH balance, to digestion, to allergies, to endocrine and hormone issues. SO, if you want the best results avoid the add on items until you are well into the program and, even then, realize two things 1) if you go off protocol you can no longer expect the same results that week and 2) if you go off protocol you can expect there are possibly going to be consequences.

Sorry you had this experience so early!

I know you may be thinking "that was friday! that can't be the cause." BUT, foods, especially ones we have a problem breaking down, digesting or are sensitive to can effect us for up to 7 days after we eat them. It just may be the cause of what the scale said.

Originally Posted by Susie_Bee

I don't understand why not?!?!

We don't have the asparagus soup but we just recently got the broccoli cheese soup (I had it for lunch today and actually enjoyed it).

My coach also recently got soy patties but I'm not really interested in those at this point in time.

I also love the SW Cheese curls! You get a lot of them too so they are great for munching on during a movie!

My coach is also pushing chicken noodle and vegetable beef soups but they don't come in the same silver packets (the packets are white) and I'm not convinced that they are IP since I haven't heard anyone else comment on them... The packets look very similar to the ProtiLife packets but they are much smaller. I'm not sure what to make of it.

The asparagus soup is old if it is from IP. OR, it is being purchased from another source (there are 2 or 3 that sell it). The beef and chicken noodles are definitely not IP for the USA and if Canada are unique to Canada. I believe you can get it the European location too.

In general the soups available are Cream of Chicken, Mushroom, Leek, or Tomato Basil. The broccoli cheese may be available in the future but, for now, was pulled because it was made wrong (with msg).

Originally Posted by BellyRubz

FRIED CAULIFLOWER:

Preheat oven to 400.

1 serving of cauliflower florets
2 tsp olive oil or grapeseed oil
Season to your liking. I like cajun seasoning, but sea salt, garlic powder and chili powder are REALLY good too

Put in a shakeable container and shake until florets are evenly coated.

Put on METAL pan and and bake until browned and crispy, mixing them once or twice during cooking. Takes about 15 minutes.

Sounds YUM!! Thanks for sharing. I wonder how this would taste with the cauliflower shaken in the sw cheese curlz or the bbq soy puffs? Or a roll in the leek or mushroom soup?

Originally Posted by mamarix1

Sounds to me like there's a whole lot of cheating going on in today's thread.
If you want to follow IP you must learn not to cheat. No cheese, no milk, no cheeto's. Everything has to be 0/0/0 or you will be disappointed in your loss. Those of us who have lost massive amounts of weight have not cheated. This is NOT atkins.
OK, I'm done ranting.
Mary

Mary, I agree with you. In fact, the minute you step away from the protocol, you are very likely not going to get the "guaranteed results" that IP advertises. You may be lucky and still do well but, many people stall or gain for a bit. Really, this program is designed on complex algorithims and, as you say, those with the big losses and consistent losses (especially women) are those who follow the program as it is written. I'm glad you see that and have let it help you stay committed to your journey.

Originally Posted by CheekyWit

If you are in the United States the Broccoli Cheese soup has MSG added to it (I found this out the hard way with a raging/ think my head is going to blow off couch bound headache 2 hours after I ate it- I am MSG/Nitrate sensitive to a debilitating degree)- I confirmed it on the ingredient list so I would be grateful that your coach won't let you have it. MSG causes all sorts of issues with fluid retention - I am shocked and slightly irritated the IP would even consider putting this in food - the artificial sugar is bad enough -- but geez. ...

I, fortunately, found out before getting the soup. (my coach told me about the production error and recall) If not, I would have been like you or in the emergency room. I have a severe MSG reaction.

Really, IP didn't make it. Someone else produced it for them. They found out just as it shipped to the clinics. IP recalled all that they could but, they allowed some clinics to still offer it if they would advise clients of the problem.

Originally Posted by 2RIDEROLLERCOAST

Like I said I would love to cheat but I love to have my weight gone more, there is time in the future to have the things (that probably aren't good for us anyway) when we can better process why we want what we do. I think it was Carla that said that sometimes it isn't the food that you cheat with but the taste profile that you are missing. Correct me if I am wrong Carla, so figure out what you are missing, for example ranch dressing and onions... try the wf ranch and have roasted onions or veggies and see if that solves your craving. I wanted pizza I made an IP pizza with IP crepe mix and that did it, it was so good and I didn't have cheese on it and yes I missed it a bit but I loved my bbq chicken with onion pizza anyway.

...

Yes, Jordanna and I both said, that about the value of a flavor profile to help curb a cheat!

Originally Posted by Susie_Bee

I've been told (at least twice now) by people in real life (mostly colleagues) that my weight goal may be "too agressive".

What do you guys think?

I am 5'5" (and a half) and of medium bone structure.

I was 135 lbs on my wedding day BUT that was 8 years ago and before kids. I am now age 40 and have 2 kids.

...

I think that is just fine!! It even fits with most of the guidelines for height weight based on medium framed women. You will be able to see it sometimes our friends don't see what we do or are worried that we might go to far. Follow your heart. If you have a healthy view of yourself, you will be able to see if you are looking too bony or unhealthy.

[longdivision]

Originally Posted by mamarix1

Sounds to me like there's a whole lot of cheating going on in today's thread.
If you want to follow IP you must learn not to cheat. No cheese, no milk, no cheeto's. Everything has to be 0/0/0 or you will be disappointed in your loss. Those of us who have lost massive amounts of weight have not cheated. This is NOT atkins.
OK, I'm done ranting.
Mary

mary, i have wanted to say this to people so many times, but i've always held my tongue. i'm really glad you did!! it's so true. this diet is very very simple. follow the rules. that's all it takes. sometimes i get frustrated when i see all the "can i have _____" or "how bad will it be if i eat _____". if it's not on the protocol, don't eat it! or at least that is how i feel if you want the program to actually work. eating the way we eat right now is not a life long commitment. we have to do it now to lose weight, then life will become more normal when we reach our goals. we all know what it's like to eat things that we shouldn't, which is why we are all here in the first place. so thank you!! 100% or nothing.

[TWoww]

Originally Posted by Susie_Bee

I've been told (at least twice now) by people in real life (mostly colleagues) that my weight goal may be "too agressive".

What do you guys think?

I am 5'5" (and a half) and of medium bone structure.

I was 135 lbs on my wedding day BUT that was 8 years ago and before kids. I am now age 40 and have 2 kids.

I just found that in recent pictures of me, I still look "chubby" and I would like to look "normal" again. I picked a weigth goal where I remember being most happy.

My original goal was 144 lbs. Does that seem more reasonable?

Susie_Bee,

I def think re-evaluating goals can be necessary. I dont think I can fathom 125 5'4" as I am athletic and I think 130 may even be a bit low. I am fitting in my 6's now and I dont want to be smaller than a 4. I think you are smart to see where you are happy and feel confindent and sexxi

[sugadiva]

Originally Posted by mamarix1

Sounds to me like there's a whole lot of cheating going on in today's thread.
If you want to follow IP you must learn not to cheat. No cheese, no milk, no cheeto's. Everything has to be 0/0/0 or you will be disappointed in your loss. Those of us who have lost massive amounts of weight have not cheated. This is NOT atkins.
OK, I'm done ranting.
Mary

Totally agree. I had great success the first three weeks with no cheats and then went out of town on a relaxing trip after having been through the worst year of my life. I thought that was reason enough to have a couple of 'fun' cheats. But in the end, they are totally not worth it and it's not about just bucking up and not cheating, but it's about realizing why I've turned to food for comfort and why I feel I need to have foods that aren't good for me in order to enjoy myself. I won't be disappointed with my results this week because I know that they will not be good. Unfortunately I am out of ketosis (for now) so I'm not going in there thinking I'm going to drop any (in fact I may have gained some back). But, I am back on track where I plan to stay.

Thanks for the tough love It's helpful sometimes for sure.

Originally Posted by BellyRubz

I HAVE NOT CHEATED. Not once. Not even a little. However, no one is perfect and to be supportive, you must encourage people not to cheat and not rant about them if they do. This is THEIR journey, not yours!

Thank you I have cheated. I have felt stupid for doing it since it's expensive and costs me not only money but pride and results. However, my struggle isn't with food solely, it's with the emotional side of things. While I was away on vacation this last week I finalized things with my divorce and had to sort out moving some more things from my old home back to my parents. All that to say, I realized that my cheats stemmed from wanting to comfort myself or from thinking we had to eat 'yummy' things in order to enjoy ourselves to the max as this was always my old habit. Wrong. But, it's a process and I'm soooo not perfect for if I were, I wouldn't be on a forum called 3 fat chicks. Ugh.

Originally Posted by Aunt Sheshie

Well said, Mary... I was beginning to wonder what was going on... we are either on protocol 100% or we're on it 0%... there is no "in between"..

hugs

Yes very true. I'm happy for you that you've been perfectly on protocol. That's something I aspire to.

Originally Posted by snowclover

I agree. I think encouraging not to cheat, and sharing the wisdom of your success is fine, but to each their own.

I've found that I do a lot better staying on track if I don't panic every time I lick the mac and cheese from my daughters lunch off my thumb etc. It is extra fat/carbs etc. it may effect my ketosis, but I have to live with this diet in my life just like everyone else is trying to do, and that amount of stress hurts me more than it helps me.

Everyone is doing great! Just keep trying every day. Try your hardest to stay OP and get back up and dust yourself off after mistakes and keep on trying. You haven't failed until you've given up! I feel like an inspiration quote coffee table book. I'm done now.

Thank you, that's very true that you haven't failed unless you've given up. I am far far from doing that. I'm so encouraged by this program

[GailMarie]

Since January of this year, I have vowed to myself that this was the year to look after my body, and it all started with what I was eating, and the lack of exercise in my daily routine.
I started off doing the Atkins diet that I had tried years previous and had lost some weight and felt good about it. I also started doing aquasize twice a week, and fast paced walking 3-4 times a week, and slowly but surely the inches lost were starting to show.
To boost my weight loss, I tried Body by Vi, which consists of 2 protein shakes(breakfast and lunch) and a regular supper. I was still losing inches, but no weight.
After taking a week off any diets and having a GREAT time in Cancun, I started Ideal Protein on April 11/11 and it has been an AMAZING struggle, but I have lost 14 pounds in 3 weeks. I have not been perfect in these 3 weeks, Easter turkey stuffing was just too hard to resist, and I have had three foil chocolate eggs, and a few licks and tastes here and there. Do I feel guilty about those few minor setbacks? Absolutely NOT! I know this is a quick, and easy program to follow, but I love the tastes of certain foods that I know aren't good for me, and I think I've done pretty darn good for myself.
Since January I have lost approximately 35 pounds, and my dream weight is to lose another 36. With comfort at down times, and support and encouragement during the good times, I CAN DO THIS!!!

[Treena]

Today at lunch I was enjoying a zucchini salad and tried, for the first time, the WF bacon ranch. I loved it TREMENDOUSLY, til I realized it has fat in it! It says low fat right on the bottle, but I had just gotten it at the store without looking at the label simply because it was WF. I'll have to keep a better eye on those!

On an unrelated note, CheekyWit, thank you SO much for your help on how to cook celery root yesterday. I tried making the mushroom gravy and I doubt I even did it right, but it was amazing! It tasted like a completely different vegetable! I'm glad I made two servings so I can have more tomorrow.

[Pxlkitty4]

Originally Posted by Treena

On an unrelated note, CheekyWit, thank you SO much for your help on how to cook celery root yesterday. I tried making the mushroom gravy and I doubt I even did it right, but it was amazing! It tasted like a completely different vegetable! I'm glad I made two servings so I can have more tomorrow.

I am going to try a celery root soup this weekend for my supper club... I will post the recipe if it turns out well. It's another recipe that looks like it would be great on IP with a few tweaks here and there... Stay tuned!

[Adrean]

Hello fellow IP'ers looks like everyone is having a great day! well I've decided that I will start phasing out of this diet sometime during the first two weeks in June no matter what. I am feeling a lot better and have lost a significant amount of weight (and hopefully some more before I'm done!) but I really want to get back into exercising this summer and I have not been able to do anything physical (without feeling like passing out) since starting IP. I am also just starting to feel "done" and ready to "go out into the real world" again ahah. We'll see though maybe I'll get to June and change my mind!

[MInewgoal]

Wow...Day 8 and I am bloated like a balloon!! I've never noticed myself being bloated before, but wow!!! I'm huge and look pregnant!! And no it's not the big "C", cuz everything is moving fine there...and I just finished my TOM...so I don't know what is up.

Congrats on the nsv's that I saw some of you had
And the WI's that a few ppl posted too!

[woolberger]

Originally Posted by cajunladybug22

Hi. I had a quick question regarding the vanilla RTD drink. I shake it really well, but there is this solid stuff in it that comes out. WHat is this, and how do I make it dissolve?

Thanks!!!

Originally Posted by CheekyWit

Are you heating the RTD to put in coffee? I notice if I get my RTD too hot and then put it in a "to go" mug which makes it slow to cool down it will get lumpy (which is gross to drink). I have not been able to make the lumps go away once they appear -- I just cannot heat it as hot as I would like. Incidentally this also happens with the cappuccino drink (I have done this twice -- like drinking cottage cheese but I refuse to throw it away since it costs 4 bucks - I just suck it up and drink/eat it...gaggggg)

I got a batch of vanilla RTD like that recently. I think it got too hot during shipping but whatever the reason, it's not normal. I returned mine.

[dunwitfat]

Hello Everyone, Sorry for the late chime in. I spent the day at a mineral mine with my granddaughters 3rd grade class. Fun times. I made it to my goal. But days like today are hard. No salad, enough but less than usual amount of water. Protein bar and drink instead of lunch.....It is so much easier when I can stay home :-) It's time for phase III - Adding carbs is scary. This former carb queen does not want that crown back....

[dunwitfat]

Originally Posted by krisbelle

i feel outstanding. i have gone down 4 top sizes from a 5x to a 1x. i have gone down 3 pant sizes from a 5x to a 2x. but i feel great/excellent/outstanding. one of the teachers who works with me has been doing weightwatchers for 1 and 1/2 years and was just as big as me. but she has only lost 60 some lbs. so i gave her some of my old cloths so she could try on. i have never been able to give someone my old cloths to wear. its a great feeling.
thanks for all your positive comments. i love each and every one of you and your support.

Woo Hoo - I went through my closet yesterday - everything's gotta go. This is the first time I have to buy smaller clothes